answer 1 of 2

Definition of answernext
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2
as in result
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

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verb

1
as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of answer
Noun
Not a perfect answer Suspending gas taxes is not a perfect solution. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 This is the question everyone wants a straight answer to. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
Yeah, again, that's probably better answered by someone other than me. CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Movie producer Jane Sinisi, who has a post production facility in Englewood Cliffs called Palisades Post, will be front and center at the Expo to answer questions. Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the relatively muted response to the housing assistance cuts may not be forever.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • In response, much of the conversation about education has focused on skills, knowledge, and innovation.
    Peter Folan, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The results released after the market closed on Friday overshadowed a second straight year of record earnings for Japan’s biggest brokerage.
    Takashi Nakamichi, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The results are compared to baseline neurological evaluations players take at the start of the season.
    Anne M. Peterson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His emotional reaction to the announcement of his name was caught on camera during the draft telecast.
    Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • That’s not a recent mandate or a reaction to last year, when the Ravens didn’t always look like the most physical team on the field.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With micro-dramas, if audiences don’t respond on the day a title is released, the social-media algorithm stops promoting it, and Zhou immediately changes what he green-lights.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Though the Red Sox got a run back in the top of the second on a solo homer by Wilyer Abreu, the Orioles immediately responded with a Rutschman fielder’s choice in the second, and then extended the lead on a solo shot by Samuel Basallo in the third.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The city will be divided into five collection areas corresponding to residents’ garbage day.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake.
    William B. Davis, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Sirak’s view, the role is not simply to fulfill requests, but to understand the business logic behind them.
    Ethan Stone, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ehrenreich has since pursued a lower-profile career, though a fulfilling one, with memorable supporting performances in films like Oppenheimer, as a skeptical aide, and Weapons, as a mustachioed cop.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The best lip liners for mature lips solve a problem that goes beyond smudging.
    Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Pip is back to solve another case in season 2 of the beloved Good Girl's Guide series based on books by Holly Jackson.
    Madeleine Janz, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Within minutes, Pollard responded with a version of what would be his standard reply about the future of Iowa State’s women’s lineup.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • In reply, Rishabh Pant’s 42 went in vain as Lucknow faltered to finish with 155-8 in 20 overs, and then ultimately lost the Super Over.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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